Cramlington Rockets’ fantastic four ready for finals day

Action from July's U14s Grand Final where Cramlington Rockets played Catterick Crusaders.

Published:12:34Monday 21 September 2015

Cramlington Rockets have four teams hoping to lift some silverware at Kingston Park on Saturday.

The North East Rugby League junior season comes to a close with a gala day of cup finals at Kingston Park, the home of Newcastle Thunder.

It is the second time this season that a sea of orange and black will descend on Kingston Park after the Rockets saw three teams featuring in July’s four League Grand Finals.

The club’s U14s and U15s were victorious that day, with the U13s falling just short, as a crowd of more than 400 were treated to a demonstration of the best that North East Rugby League can offer.

This Saturday sees the club’s U12s feature in their first ever final at 10am as they take on Gateshead Storm, while the U13s will be looking to go one better than last time as they take on league champions, Durham Tigers at 11.30am.

The U14s (1pm) and the U15s (2.30pm) will be looking to make it a league and cup double this season, with the former taking on near rivals Whitley Bay Barbarians and the latter fronting up against Jarrow Vikings, the team they also beat in July’s final.

“It is very exciting for the club to have representation in all four finals” said chairman, Jeff Ball.

“The Grand Finals day in July was a very special occasion for the club but once the celebrations were over we always said our focus would be these cup competitions.

“The route to the final is admittedly much easier than through the league but that does not mean that each and every team we are up against will not want to win just as much as we do.

“There is a lot of quality across the region as reflected in the five clubs represented on Saturday.

“Regardless of the result on the day, we love being able to give our players these kind of experiences.

“Getting ready in the same changing room as Newcastle Thunder and running out the tunnel in front of a big noisy crowd is one of those ‘goose bump’ moments that players will always remember.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to see how good grassroots rugby league in the region is to come down and watch. They will not be disappointed.”

Entry for the cup finals is free and through the Tap & Tackle bar in the East Stand.